Atlantic City

The amount of money to be made growing cannabis for medical or recreational use is enormous.

That came through loud and clear at Tuesday’s talk by Green Living Technologies International President George Irwin at Linwood Country Club. Irwin was the main speaker at the February meeting of the Public Relations Council of Greater Atlantic City.

The community college that launched a culinary arts program in 1981 to train chefs for the Atlantic City casinos is now preparing to add cooking with cannabis to its menu of course offerings.

But how quickly the plan proceeds depends on when New Jersey legalizes marijuana for recreational use.

The deal is now official, as iAnthus Capital Holdings, Inc. has closed on its acquisition of MPX Bioceutical Corporation.

The combined company now has operations in 11 states which includes 63 retail locations and 15 cultivation/processing facilities.

And that may be true. But in South Jersey, the state has given the green light for two dispensaries to open on the Atlantic City Boardwalk.

And the ATC which made the first request is none too happy about it.

Compassionate Care Foundation, based in Egg Harbor Township, sought state permission to open a satellite dispensary in May, and the state said yes. Founder David Knowlton said they are slated to open in June, following a period of engineering and construction work.

New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal told hospital administrators, doctors, nurses, social workers and others at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, City Campus about how medical marijuana is a safe and effective treatment that should be considered as a tool in care.

“I hope I can convince more physicians to at least participate or consider enrolling in this program,” he said at the city hospital Wednesday.

New Jersey state approval last month for six new medicinal marijuana integrated dispensaries means more access to the drug for patients in need, but not without some controversy for the communities involved.

"Six very strong applicants were selected, including minority-owned and women-owned businesses," Health Commissioner Shereef Elnahal said. "We'll meet with them early next year to refine their timetable for growing product and opening their doors."

Two applicants were chosen for the north, central and southern parts of the state.

In South Jersey, Columbia Care New Jersey can now apply to grow and dispense medical marijuana in Vineland.

MPX New Jersey can apply to grow marijuana in Galloway Township and dispense the medication in nearby Atlantic City.

The entities listed below have received initial approval from the Department of Health for their applications to operate an alternative treatment center.

An approved application does not comprise a license, permit or other approval to open and operate an alternative treatment center. Permission to operate is granted to successful applicants only after DOH completes a series of reviews and inspections of their facilities, procedures and products.